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Nicole Bass Bodybuilder Then And Now

By Cornell Scott / March 11, 2024

Nicole Bass Then

**Personal History**
Nicole Bass was born on October 3, 1964, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1982 and then attended the University of West Florida. After college, she worked as a bartender and waitress before starting her bodybuilding career.

**Bodybuilding Career**
Bass began her bodybuilding career in 1990. She competed in her first bodybuilding competition in 1991 and won the NPC Southern States Championships. She went on to win several other NPC competitions, including the NPC Nationals in 1993. In 1995, she became the first African American woman to win the Ms. Olympia title. She won the Ms. Olympia title again in 1996 and 1997.

**Family Background**
Bass is married to John Romano. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

Competitive History

**Professional Bodybuilding**
* 1991 NPC Southern States Championships, 1st
* 1992 NPC Nationals, 1st
* 1993 NPC Nationals, 1st
* 1994 NPC Nationals, 1st
* 1995 Ms. Olympia, 1st
* 1996 Ms. Olympia, 1st
* 1997 Ms. Olympia, 1st

**Awards**
* 1995 Ms. Olympia, 1st
* 1996 Ms. Olympia, 1st
* 1997 Ms. Olympia, 1st

Nicole Bass Now

**Current Activities**
After retiring from bodybuilding in 1997, Bass worked as a personal trainer and nutritionist. She also appeared in several movies and television shows. In 2018, she was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

**Personal Life**
Bass is married to John Romano. They have two children, a son and a daughter. After retiring from bodybuilding, Bass struggled with depression and substance abuse. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment and is now cancer-free.